Here's why a Gujarat-based tribal leader wants Statue of Unity removed!

Here's why a Gujarat-based tribal leader wants Statue of Unity removed!

Ahmedabad: Chhotu Vasava, the chief of the Indian Tribal Party in Gujarat and a tribal leader has demanded, "Statue of Unity in Gujarat should be removed as it is not a product of Make in India."

The statue was named as the Statue of Unity in recognition and tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contribution to Indian politics who was known as Iron Man. The Statue of Unity is built some 182-meter high and is the tallest statue in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated it in 2018.

Criticising Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) stand on boycotting China-made goods and the aggression in which they are taking the lead on the road destroying the China-made products, Vasava said, "If the BJP really want to oppose the Chinese goods, they should then first remove the Statue of Unity placed in Gujrat as it is made in China."

Vasava further criticised, "The BJP party members are agitating and stressing on Indian good and boycott the Chinese products. The BJP move on the anti-China sentiment across the country and the growing demand for boycotting on Chinese goods. China is our enemy. If the BJP is really opposed to China, then the Statue of Unity should be removed first, because it is made in China. If we want to oppose China, we have to start from the Statue of Unity." 

Vasava has also accused and cursed the government for forcing tribal people to give their lands which were based in the vicinity near the Statue of Unity. 

He pointed out, "The Gujarat government has forcibly acquired lands from farmers in Kevadia in the name of its development. Nearly some 25,000 hectares of lands situated in the six to seven villages adjacent to the Kevadia had been forcibly acquired by them which has led to a starving situation to poor farmers who use to yield in the farm."

Meanwhile, many leaders have already questioned the establishment of the Statue of Unity. There were few petitions filed before the National Green Tribunal too. The grand statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel erected in the Narmada river basin of Gujarat was inaugurated by PM Modi almost two years back. 

Larsen and Toubro and state-run Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd built the statue, with intricate bronze cladding work done by a Chinese foundry, the Jiangxi Toqine Company.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com